Jorge "El Nino De Oro" Linares (44-4, 27 KOs), the former
king of the 135-pound division and one of boxing's top
fighters, will return to the ring in a new division as he
faces Abner "Pin" Cotto (23-3, 12KOs) in a 12-round,
140-pound battle that promises fireworks. The clash will be
the main event of the Sept. 29 edition of Golden Boy Fight
Night at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio, Calif. The
action will be streamed live on Facebook Watch in the U.S.
and globally on the Golden Boy Fight Night Page.

Linares, a 32-year-old Venezuelan considered one of the top
fighters in the world, will make his highly anticipated
return after his spectacular battle against Vasyl "Hi-Tech"
Lomachenkoin May. Though losing his WBA and Ring Magazine
Lightweight Titles in the process, Linares delivered a great
performance and dropped his challenger for the first time in
his career. Linares will look to place himself in a position
to once again become a world champion, but this time as a
super lightweight against Abner Cotto.

"I am coming back hungrier than ever to demonstrate to the
world that I am still one of the best pound-for-pound
fighters in the world," said Jorge Linares."I want those big
fights and the world has not seen the best of me. With my
new trainer and my team, we will demonstrate that I am more
than capable in taking over this new super lightweight
division against a notable opponent in Abner Cotto. This
September 29, fans will see a determined Jorge Linares."

Cotto,of Caguas, Puerto Rico, has deep roots in boxing as
one of the faces of the legendary boxing family. The hungry
fighter became enamored with the sport at 10-years old,
receiving training from Efraín Román in Aguas Buenas'
municipal gymnasium. With a rich amateur background where he
participated in national championships and represented
Puerto Rico in the Pan-American Games, the accolades he
received translated into an impressive professional career
where he triumphed over notable contenders. Cotto has been
on a five-win streak since his devastating loss against
Javier Fortunaand will be looking to reestablish himself as
a worthy contender with a victory against Linares in the
super lightweight division.

"I feel very excited for this new opportunity that this
sport offers me," said Abner Cotto. "I'm immensely grateful
to my team and my promoters for bringing my career back to
the highest. This is a sport where I have fallen, but with
the support of my family, my people and the commitment of my
team, I have returned with much more desire to achieve the
goal I have always dreamed of since I was 10 years old,
which is to challenge for a world title. My promoter has
placed all its trust in me, and I will work tirelessly to
achieve the goals set. Thanks to all who made this great
fight possible. Expect one full of emotion."

"Jorge Linares is recognized as one of boxing's best
pound-for-pound fighters and demonstrated that in his long
reign as lightweight champion," said Oscar De La Hoya,
Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "So, it's perfect
that he's joining an illustrious list of headliners for this
new Facebook partnership. Linares is a world-class fighter
who has never been in a boring fight, and I know Abner Cotto
will deliver a tough challenge in as he showcases his Puerto
Rican boxing pedigree and relentless heart in the ring."

Times for the event, along with a full undercard, will be
announced shortly.